“Am I not doing a good enough job as your dad?” I’m not trying to make her feel bad or guilty. I’m honestly wondering what she feels because she asks for a mom so often, it makes me feel like I’m screwing everything up.
“Dad, you’re doing everything a dad should do, but I just—”
“Need girl time?” Is that what it is? I hope that’s what it is.
“Yes,” she says without thinking. “Mom isn’t coming back. I know. Even if she did, I wouldn’t want to see her. I want someone to love you and love me, and to make our home warm and pretty.”
“I understand, Aya. I do.” More than she can understand, I get it. I thought I had it with Isla, but shit happens.
“So, make it happen,” she continues. “Love Kai.”
“Aya, I like Kai. I really do, but I need to get to know her more. I need to spend more time with her. Time creates love, baby. I know it’s hard to be patient, but the things we wait for the longest in life are the most special.”
“Will you try?” She rests the back of her head against my chest and exhales heavily.
“Of course. If Kai likes us as much as we like her, who knows what will happen. We can hope, right?”
“I’ve been making lots of wishes,” she says.
“Good. Keep doing that. Every wish helps.”
Aya turns around and wraps her arms around my neck. “I’m sorry I pushed you. Are you hurt?”
I want to laugh, but I’ll let her believe in her strength. “A little, but I’ll be okay.”
“I won’t ever do that again.”
“Thank you. Can you help me at the store now? I need to fill our pantry and refrigerator.”
Aya looks over at her neon purple alarm clock she’s already managed to unpack. “We better hurry. We only have an hour, and I need to make the house look presentable before Kai gets here.”
My hand finds my face, covering my eyes, as I wonder how my sweet child has turned into a manhandling, matchmaking girl on a mission.
Chapter Sixteen
Kai
I’m kind of going through the motions of an internal battle, wondering if this was a good, or bad idea. Our one and only date was more than I could have hoped for, but there are so many more hurdles to jump over, even if Denver did ask me out for a second date. I know there’s a chance things may not work out, as it would be with anyone I might date, but when Aya asked me to come over tonight, I was like putty in her hands. She has these big Bambi-like eyes that could convince anyone of anything. Plus, she’s so sweet, and she reminds me of Lea at that age. I enjoyed our age difference back then because I loved acting like a pretend mom to her. Of course, I didn’t know then that I would have to assume the role for real some years later. I miss being needed now. I got used to it, I guess.
My GPS is guiding me through a quiet neighborhood just a few miles away from the hotel. I didn’t realize Denver went for a waterfront location, but these houses are all on the cliff. It’s beautiful and must cost a fortune.
I realized after I agreed to Aya’s invitation that they literally moved in today and might not have much of anything set up yet, but I can help Aya with her room as she requested. She said she needed a girl’s touch and that Denver wasn’t always so good at that. It made me chuckle. I can’t imagine a big tough Marine being too familiar with things in the pink and purple department. Not that he hasn’t done a good job with her, but it must be hard. I’m not sure I’d know where to start with a boy after just being around Lea all my life.
I pull in where the GPS tells me too, and I’m a bit taken aback by the size and beauty of this place. Either he saved up a shit ton of money, or he’s getting more tips than I thought at Man Buns, which I’m trying not to think about. I’m not allowed to think like that when we’ve only been on one date. Still …
I park beside Denver’s truck and grab the bag full of things I picked up at a couple of stores after I got off work. I thought they might look cute in Aya’s room. Thankfully, I at least got the information about her wall and bedding colors. It was the first thing she told me.
I go around to the back of my Jeep and grab the pizza I picked up too. Aya didn’t mention dinner, but I figured it was a safe choice in case she didn’t eat. Taking care of someone today has made me feel better than I’ve felt in a while, aside from my date. I kind of hope this all has a chance to go further. I’m not sure I can hide that little fact seeing as I’ve had a perma-smile on my face all day.
The door is closed, but I manage to get the tip of my elbow up to the doorbell, hearing it simultaneously ring inside.
The doorbell is followed by lots of pattering and thumping inside, and less than a few seconds later, the door swings open with Aya on the other side. Her face is just full of excitement. Her hair is dripping wet, and she’s in pajamas.He’s a good dad. I can tell so easily.
“Well, hello, miss Aya. I’m here for our girls’ night,” I tell her.
She throws her hands out to the sides. “I am so excited. Come and see my new room!”
I follow her inside, wondering where Denver is, but I spot him toward the other side of the house, pushing a couch across the room. It’s so open and bright here, and the view is incredible. I’m kind of jealous. My house hasn’t changed a whole lot since the nineties. Mom and Dad didn’t do a whole lot of upkeep on the house, and I’ve done what I can to keep everything maintained, but I haven’t updated anything. There’s also no view, and not much of a yard, but it’s been home for as long as I know.
